The role of a regular sport work out in the lives of people with spinal cord injury

Ewa Frydlewicz-Bartman
Justyna Rykała
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Z Instytutu Fizjoterapii Uniwersytetu Rzeszowskiego
Institute of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Rzeszow, Rzeszow, Poland

Abstract

Introduction: The frequency of back injury with spinal cord injury is estimated at 25–35 people per 1 million population, of which 80–85% applies to men, while 61% of the cases concern people between 16 and 30. The purpose of rehabilitation of patients after spinal cord injury is preparation for independent living and the best possible performance of social roles. Active participation in the comprehensive rehabilitation creates conditions for the development of a disabled person. Sport is an important element of rationalization, allows to maintain physical fitness achieved during treatment in rehabilitation centers. The aim: of this study was to know the motives of respondents that drive them to sport, to determine the benefits of practicing sports and to present plans for the future of respondents with disabilities. Material and method: The research tool was a questionnaire consisting of 27 questions. Study group consisted of those who had a history of trauma to the spinal cord, in sport. The study involved 50 people, including 42 men and 8 women, aged from 20 to 40 years. Respondents practiced sport regularly. Results: Motivations that induced subjects to engage in sports were as follows: continuation of rehabilitation, contact with the public, to overcome physical limitations, desire for active leisure, getting out from home. Persons with disabilities have claimed that sport influenced improvement to their well-being (96%) and acceleration of the acceptance of disability (82%). The surveyed declared their willingness to start a family, work, and achieve better professional positions. Conclusions: Sport is an important element in the lives of people with reduced mobility. It is an important element of improvement in the rehabilitation process. It creates many benefits: a growing and supportive factor in good health triggers a hidden organism options, provide additional, strong motivation to perform the appropriate motor actions.

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